David Cassidy’s Family Reminisce On Late Singer’s Life

According to Jo-Ann Geffen his publicist, David Cassidy the ‘70s teen heartthrob and lead singer on ‘The Partridge Family’, has died. He was 67.

Cassidy as Keith in popular ‘The Partridge’ family TV show

The singer/actor had recently been admitted to the intensive care unit of a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, area hospital. Cassidy was in critical condition and was suffering from organ failure before his death on Tuesday, said Geffen.

“David died surrounded by those he loved, with joy in his heart and free from the pain that had gripped him for so long. Thank you for the abundance and support you have shown him these many years,” she said.

In a tweet by Cassidy’s nephew, Jack Cassidy which was about his uncle’s death, he wrote “I can’t help but thank God for the joy that he brought to countless millions of people.”

David Cassidy was born into the entertainment industry that made him a star. His father was famed actor and singer Jack Cassidy, and his mother was a female actor Evelyn Ward. After his parents split in 1956, the elder Cassidy married female actor and singer Shirley Jones the same year.

Cassidy moved in with his father, Jones and his three half-brothers after getting his high school diploma in 1968. His father helped him launch his career as an actor and musician.

“Long before he played my son on ‘The Partridge Family,’ David Cassidy was my stepson in real life. As a little boy, his sweet sensitivity and wicked sense of humour were already on display, and I will treasure the years we spent working and growing together,” Shirley Jones said in a statement. Thank you for the enormous outpouring of affection you have offered our family at this difficult time”

One of his half-brothers, Shaun Cassidy, tweeted about his memories.

“When I was a little boy and my big brother would come to visit, the first call of business would be a punishing pillow fight. During the battle, he would regale me with hysterical stories of our father, often culminating in his taking giant leap off my top bunk. I tried to catch him of course. I always tried to catch him, but I never could. Now, I will carry him, along with all of the funny/sad/extraordinary days we shared, none more filled with love than these last few at his side.” Shaun Cassidy wrote.

Danny Bonaduce, who played Cassidy’s little brother on “the partridge family,” described his death as a “huge loss.”

David Cassidy’s early work included appearances on ‘ironside,’ ‘Marcus Welby, M.D.,’ ‘Adam-12’ and ‘Bonanza.’

In 1970, Cassidy began playing the role of Keith Partridge on the musical sitcom “The Partridge Family.” His step mother, Jones, portrayed his mother, a widow with five kids. The popular ABC series ran for four years and also had a successful run in syndication. The show also spurred several pop hits.

The single “I think I love you,” featuring Cassidy on lead vocals, hit no. 1 on the Billboard Charts in 1970 and sold more than 5 million copies. The songs ‘Doesn’t Somebody Want To Be Wanted’ and “I’ll meet you halfway” also cracked the top 10 the next year. The group was nominated for a best new artist Grammy. He later launched a solo career, recording a dozen studio albums and six compilation albums.

Those who worked with Cassidy in the entertainment business shared their memories and condolences on social media.

David Cassidy

Musician Brian Wilson of the beach boys said and Cassidy once started writing a song together.” He was a very talented and nice person. Love and mercy to David and his family.”

Actor Marlee Matlin tweeted,” to me and millions of us you were forever young.”

Interviewer Larry King said, “Like his father jack he had great talent, and a complicated life condolences to his wonderful family.”

Alexa Penavega worked with Cassidy on ‘ruby and the rockits,’ a 2009 T.V show created by Shaun Cassidy, David’s half-brother. She said Cassidy was ‘an amazing T.V daddy.’

Entertainers Harry Connick jr. and Marie Osmond also shared memories.

David Cassidy will forever be remembered as the popular ‘70s heartthrob who starred as a singer Keith Partridge on TV’s “The Partridge Family.”